Pate’s case headed to grand jury

April 17, 2009

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A man who police believe killed his wife and later tried to take his own life was bound over to the Lowndes County grand jury Thursday afternoon.

George Pate appeared before the Columbus Municipal Court without a lawyer Thursday afternoon. During the brief hearing, Judge Curtis Austin bonded over murder charges to the grand jury and left Pate''s bond set at $750,000. Pate stands accused of the murder of his wife Peggy Pate.

On March 11, Columbus Police found Peggy Pate dead in her house located at 415 Eighth St. S. The unconscious body of George Pate was also found at the scene.

Police believe Pate shot his wife and later ingested several different pharmaceuticals in an apparent suicide attempt. He was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle where he was later revived.

A large caliber handgun was found at the site of the murder.

Pate, who remains in the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, will have his case heard before the grand jury in August.